OK, you folks did such agreat job advising me on out Nova Scotia trip last August, I would be grateful for your help on a new trip!

I find that I will be flying to Rhode Island December 19 for a family event in Newport, then will be left to my own devices that Friday afternoon before making my way to North Hadley MA (near Mt Holyoke) either Friday afternoon or Saturday. I am informed that the trip from Newport to MA will take about 3 hours; I am of two minds whether to get an extra day on my rental car and drive it, or turn the car in and take the bus. Are there interesting sites or events within a reasonable distance of the line between those two places that you would recommend, to influence that decision? To refresh your memory, in addition to my attempts at chantey singing I am a gardener as well as costumer and student of historic cookery, focused on F&I & colonial, but interested in other periods.

Many thanks!

LynnT